Pianist Bill Evans turned out to be one of the most influential pianists of his generation. Before his untimely death in 1980, he had made nearly 100 recordings Read the full description.
Also in the Jazz Profiles series
Ella Fitzgerald, 'First Lady of Song'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Her voice is instantly recognizable. Her youthful exuberance, pure sound and positive energy just make you feel good. Her incredible technical abilities were self-evident, ...
Art Tatum, 'The Musician's Musician'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
One of the greatest improvisers in jazz history, Art Tatum also set the standard for technical dexterity with his classic 1933 recording of "Tea for Two."
Miles Davis, Part 1: Miles' Styles
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Miles Davis was the personification of restless spirit, always pushing himself and his music into uncharted territory.
Miles Davis, Part 2: 'Kind of Blue'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
The best-selling jazz record of all time is a universally acknowledged masterpiece, revered as much by rock and classical music fans as by jazz lovers. The album is Miles ...
Sidney Bechet, 'Soprano Sax King'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Sidney Bechet was the undisputed king of the soprano saxophone and also one of the most innovative and original clarinetists in jazz.
Mary Lou Williams, 'Perpetually Contemporary'
(00:54:31)
From: NPR Music
Mary Lou Williams was not only present for nearly every development in jazz music -- she was influential to most of them. In her compositions, arrangements, piano playing, ...
Louis Armstrong: 'The Man and His Music,' Part 1
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
It is hard to overstate the incredible reach of Louis Armstrong. The music he made touched everyone who heard it, and revolutionized American entertainment in ways we can ...
Louis Armstrong: 'The Man and His Music,' Part 2
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
By his early thirties, Louis Armstrong had already revolutionized jazz forever. Working with his mentor "King" Oliver in Chicago, Armstrong explored and expanded the sounds ...
Louis Armstrong: 'The Trumpeter'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Before Louis Armstrong ever sang a duet with Ella Fitzgerald or Bing Crosby, there was just a lanky young man with a bright, beautiful horn. That young man transformed the ...
Louis Armstrong: 'The Singer'
(00:54:00)
From: NPR Music
Louis Armstrong left not one but two great legacies in American music. His trumpet defined the role of the jazz soloist and revolutionized jazz itself, but his singing has ...
Piece Description
Pianist Bill Evans turned out to be one of the most influential pianists of his generation. Before his untimely death in 1980, he had made nearly 100 recordings. He became well known for his work with Miles Davis and broke new ground with drummer Paul Motian and bassist Scott LaFaro in the development of the jazz trio.
Timing and Cues
00:00 IN: Support for...
37:00 OUT: ...National Public Radio.
[:49 MUSIC BED]
37:50 IN: Throughout his career...
53:57 OUT: ...National Public Radio.






David Srebnik
Posted on March 05, 2008 at 12:18 PM | Permalink
Review of Jazz Profiles: Bill Evans
Timely for now, timely for nearly any air time, and especially timely if you find yourself in a position to introduce the soul, struggle, whimsy and aching beauty that pervades Bill Evans' music to first time listeners. But this is also a celebration for all Bill Evans fans and admirers.
Host Nancy Wilson and the JP producers unobtrusively, yet with clarity and authority, weave their way in and out of the music to bring you the relevant descriptors and biographical notes that make the many veins of Evans' music resound so movingly and memorably.
The program's autobiographical elements that explain the fueling and shaping of Evans' music may stand out a bit on a local jazz shift, but will work superbly in your station's specialty program or documentary slots. There's also a place for the program from late morning on during your weekend programming.
The Bill Evans story, like Bill Evans' music, never gets tired. Jazz Profiles has done a superb job of advancing the story of a performer whose music can easily speak for itself. This show will appeal to those making their first or second acquaintance with Bill Evans and will also warm up those who were converted long ago.